History

Arsenal Dream Team: 2. Lee Dixon

Arsenal Dream Team: 2. Lee Dixon

With four titles, three FA Cups, a League Cup and a European Cup Winners' Cup to his name, Lee Dixon is one of the most decorated footballers in Arsenal's history. 

He was also one of the most reliable and that makes him a perfect addition to our Dream Team.

"We all know the esteem in which Herbert Chapman is held but I don't think anybody has achieved what Arsène has. He was the inspiration behind the training facilities; his input into the Emirates and the success on the field is just unequalled. And he's a nice bloke as well."

Lee Dixon on Arsène Wenger

It's rare that a player moves from the lower leagues to a top-four club these days - Carl Jenkinson is the exception not the rule - but that wasn't the case in the 1980s and Dixon made the leap with distinction. Signed from Stoke by George Graham, he became a vital cog in the defensive machine that helped secure titles in 1989 and 1991.

Dixon was a tough opponent. Though hardly a man-mountain he could tackle fiercely, his positional awareness was second-to-none and he relished a physical battle. Just ask David Ginola - how Dixon would love him to be his direct opponent if our Dream Team ever took to the field.



It wasn't all about defending though. Dixon was an energetic overlapping full-back too, linking up well with David Rocastle, Paul Merson and Freddie Ljungberg at different stages of his Arsenal career. He scored the odd goal too - one screamer at Chelsea springs to mind - and had the guts to take on penalty duties before Ian Wright joined the Club.



Our all-time XI will have plenty of consistent performers but perhaps none as trustworthy as Dixon. He was rarely spectacular but every team needs solidity and pragmatism and the right back showed that in spades over his 619 appearances.



Oh, and if the Arsenal Dream Team ever needed to win by two goals to snatch the league title from, let's say, a Merseyside club, there's no one better for belting an accurate long pass to the centre forward to help set up the decisive goal.

NO 2 LEE DIXON

Right back

Appearances: 619

Goals: 28

Selected in 58 per cent of teams

"When I first switched to full back I spoke to Lee Dixon because he played in that position for 15 years and knows so much. I wanted to know about the movement that is needed and the positions that you have to take up and he was really helpful. Whenever I asked him for advice he would talk to me and help me."

Lauren, who succeeded Dixon as Arsenal's right back

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